Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Papaya Enzyme Chewable Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Harmony

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Papaya Enzyme Chewable is a dietary supplement by Nature's Harmony with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestion and bloating, muscle soreness and exercise recovery, inflammation and swelling.Based on those ingredients, 141 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bromelain, Papain. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains six active ingredients — protease, cellulase, lipase, bromelain, alpha-amylase, and papain — all enzymes designed to help break down food components. Protease breaks down protein, lipase handles fat, and cellulase works on fiber; alpha-amylase assists with starch.

Bromelain (from pineapple) and papain (from papaya) are proteases that also come with their own active compounds. You'll also find inactive ingredients like dextrose, cellulose, magnesium stearate, stevia extract, silicon dioxide, and fruit flavorings.

Does it work?

No specific claim
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
General wellness

This product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade against clinical evidence.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“digestive support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence for what these enzymes do is limited. Lipase and papain are listed for several conditions — inflammatory bowel disease, indigestion, burns, dental issues, muscle soreness, and parasite infection — but the data we hold rates them all as insufficient to draw firm conclusions.

Bromelain similarly shows insufficient evidence for hay fever, burns, cancer risk, nerve pain, circulation problems, and blood sugar control. None of these ingredients have established effectiveness ratings we can point to.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Bromelain Papain

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Protease is generally well tolerated but can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people. Lipase is generally tolerated in supplement form, though people with serious digestive problems should only use it under medical guidance.

Bromelain is well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data are sparse; the most common side effects are diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. Papain is tolerated as food but supplements may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergies; rare high doses have caused esophageal perforation and severe inflammation.

All three enzymes can occasionally trigger allergic reactions, including respiratory symptoms if you're exposed to airborne particles. During pregnancy, protease and bromelain safety data are too limited — they're best avoided unless your doctor prescribes them.

Papain is possibly unsafe in pregnancy, especially concentrated forms and unripe papaya products. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough data on any of these to recommend use without checking with your healthcare provider first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase Bromelain Papain

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Papain, Bromelain.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 141 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, double-check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — bromelain and papain both raise bleeding risk (moderate severity). If you're on tetracycline antibiotics, bromelain may affect how your body absorbs them, though the effect is minor and mixed in research.

Warfarin users especially should confirm this is safe for them first.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This chewable may appeal to you if you're looking for enzyme support for digestion, but evidence for how well it works is limited. If you take blood thinners like warfarin, antiplatelet drugs, or tetracycline antibiotics, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the risk of bleeding interactions is real.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk it over with your doctor before taking it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Papaya Enzyme Chewable, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Harmony
Barcode (UPC) 063047008385
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21828
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
063047008385
IngredientAmount% DV
Protease20 mg--
Cellulase5 mg--
Lipase10 mg--
Bromelain20 mg--
Alpha-Amylase2 mg--
Papain100 mg--

Other ingredients: Dextrose, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Stevia extract, Silicon Dioxide, papaya {fruit flavour}, pineapple fruit flavour

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Use: As support for digestion. Recommended Dose (Adults): Chew 1 tablet before each meal. Do not exceed three tablets daily. Consult a health care practitioner for prolonged use.

General Statements

Papain Units1, Gelatin Digesting Units2, Hemoglobin Unit Tyrosine base3, US Pharmacopeia4, Cellulase Units5, Sandstedt, Kneen & Blish6

For Digestive Support

{Tablet} Actual Size

A Proud Canadian Company

Precautions

Risk Information: Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have stomach ulcers.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN.

Formulation

This product does not contain egg, shellfish, sulfites, animal derivatives or artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.

General

400838.01-01

Seals/Symbols

SunOpta A healthy products company

See for yourself

Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Protease

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus oryzae

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Protease monograph & interactions

Cellulase

5 mg per serving Form: Trichoderma longibrachiatum

Lipase

No known
interactions
10 mg per serving Form: Rhizopus oryzae

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down dietary fats. It is well established as part of prescription pancreatic enzyme therapy fo...

Lipase monograph & interactions

Bromelain

Interacts with
141 drugs
20 mg per serving Form: Pineapple

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes from pineapple that people take mainly for inflammation, swelling, and sinus problems. Some early st...

Bromelain monograph & interactions

Alpha-Amylase

2 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus oryzae

Papain

Interacts with
2 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Carica papaya

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme from the papaya plant that is used in digestive supplements and some topical products. While it has clear food an...

Papain monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Dextrose, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Stevia extract, Silicon Dioxide, Papaya {fruit flavour}, Pineapple fruit flavour. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Papaya Enzyme Chewable?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
141Drugs
122 Moderate 19 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bromelain 141
Papain 2

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Papaya Enzyme Chewable with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bromelain2 drug types · 141 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen. Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity. Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Papain1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, papain might increase the effects and side effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a patient previously stable on warfarin was found to have an international normalization ratio (INR) of 7.4, which was attributed to ingestion of a supplement containing papain from papaya extract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Papaya Enzyme Chewable, from the product label.

Nature's Harmony

See all Nature's Harmony products
Name
SunOpta Inc.
Street Address
6 Commerce Crescent
City
Acton
State
ON
ZipCode
L7J 2X3
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony: Common Questions

Does Papaya Enzyme Chewable by Nature's Harmony interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Papaya Enzyme Chewable has a known interaction with 141 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Papaya Enzyme Chewable contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What does each enzyme in this product do?
Protease breaks down protein, lipase handles fat, cellulase works on fiber, and alpha-amylase helps with starch. Bromelain and papain are both proteases with additional active compounds from pineapple and papaya.
Is it safe to take while I'm pregnant?
Not without checking first. Bromelain and protease don't have enough safety data in pregnancy to recommend them; papain is rated possibly unsafe, especially concentrated forms. Talk with your doctor to see if it's right for you.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
There isn't enough reliable safety data on any of these enzymes during breastfeeding. Check with your healthcare provider before using it.
What are the most common side effects?
Bromelain users most often report diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset. Papain can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. All three enzymes may irritate the digestive tract or trigger allergies in some individuals.
Does this really work for digestion?
The evidence we hold rates all these enzymes as having insufficient reliable evidence for indigestion and other digestive conditions. We don't have established proof they help.
Is this safe if I have a sensitive stomach?
If you have serious digestive conditions, lipase should be used only under medical guidance. Protease, bromelain, and papain can all cause digestive upset or allergic reactions, so talk with your doctor first if your stomach is already sensitive.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Papaya Enzyme Chewable is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Papaya Enzyme Chewable label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Papaya Enzyme Chewable's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 34 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Bromelain 19 references
  1. Nettis E, Napoli G, Ferrannini A, Tursi A. IgE-mediated allergy to bromelain. Allergy 2001;56:257-8. PubMed
  2. Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 1988;22:191-203.. PubMed
  3. Bradbrook ID, Morrison PJ, Rogers HJ. The effect of bromelain on the absorption of orally administered tetracycline. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1978;6:552-4. PubMed
  4. Bush TM, Rayburn KS, Holloway SW, et al. Adverse interactions between herbal and dietary substances and prescription medications: a clinical survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2007;13:30-5.
  5. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM 2006;99:841-50. PubMed
  6. Mori S, Ojima Y, Hirose T, et al. The clinical effect of proteolytic enzyme containing bromelain and trypsin on urinary tract infection evaluated by double blind method. Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn 1972;19:147-53.
  7. Glaser D, Hilberg T. The influence of bromelain on platelet count and platelet activity in vitro. Platelets 2006;17:37-41. PubMed
  8. Heinicke R M, van der Wal L, Yokoyama M. Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia 1972;28:844-5. PubMed
  9. Gailhofer, G., Wilders-Truschnig, M., Smolle, J., and Ludvan, M. Asthma caused by bromelain: an occupational allergy. Clin Allergy 1988;18(5):445-450. PubMed
  10. Mattei, O., Fabri, G., and Farina, G. [Occupational health experience regarding four cases of asthma due to bromelain (author's transl)]. Medicina del Lavoro 1979;70(5):404-409.
  11. Galleguillos, F. and Rodriguez, J. C. Asthma caused by bromelin inhalation. Clin Allergy 1978;8(1):21-24. PubMed
  12. Perez-Camo I, Quirce S, Duran MA, and et al. Latex allergy: evidence of cross-reactivity with papain and bromelain [abstract]. Allergy 1996;51(suppl 31):48.
  13. Martin GJ, Ehrenreich J, and Asbell N. Bromelain: pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exp Med Surg 1962;20:227-247.
  14. Kasemsuk T, Saengpetch N, Sibmooh N, Unchern S. Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Oct;35(10):2531-40. PubMed
  15. Kutlu Ö, DemirbaS A, Elmas ÖF, Güvenç U, Metin A. Fixed drug eruption: a new side effect of bromelain. Contact Dermatitis 2020. Online ahead of print. PubMed
  16. Shoham Y, Shapira E, Haik J, et al. Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement of chronic wounds: Results of a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Wound Repair Regen 2021;29(6):899-907. PubMed
  17. Pfister P, Garcia Wendel PD, Kim BS, et al. Coagulation side effects of enzymatic debridement in burned patients. Burns 2022. PubMed
  18. Hasham S, Riyat H, Fletcher A, O'Boyle CP, Alexander S. To bleed or not to bleed? Case series and discussion of haemorrhage risk with enzymatic debridement in burn injuries. Scars Burn Heal 2023;9:20595131231168333. PubMed
  19. Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health 2023. PubMed

See these in context on the Bromelain monograph →

Papain 11 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56.
  3. Shuttleworth D, Hill S, Marks R, Connelly DM. Relief of experimentally induced pruritus with a novel eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic agents. Br J Dermatol 1988;119:535-40.
  4. Mansfield LE, Ting S, Haverly RW, Yoo TJ. The incidence and clinical implications of hypersensitivity to papain in an allergic population, confirmed by blinded oral challenge. Ann Allergy 1985;55:541-3.
  5. Martin, T., Uhder, K., Kurek, R., Roeddiger, S., Schneider, L., Vogt, H. G., Heyd, R., and Zamboglou, N. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial PubMed
  6. Walker-Renard, P. Update on the medicinal management of phytobezoars. Am J Gastroenterol. 1993;88(10):1663-1666.
  7. Tymoszuk D, Wiszniewska M, Walusiak-Skorupa J. Papain-induced occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma - A case report. Med Pr 2016;67(1):109-12. PubMed
  8. Soto-Mera MT, López-Rico MR, Filgueira JF, et al. Occupational allergy to papain. Allergy 2000;55(10):983-4. PubMed
  9. Tarlo SM, Shaikh W, Bell B, et al. Papain-induced allergic reactions. Clin Allergy 1978;8(3):207-15. PubMed
  10. Baur X, König G, Bencze K, Fruhmann G. Clinical symptoms and results of skin test, RAST and bronchial provocation test in thirty-three papain workers: Evidence for strong immunogenic potency and clinically relevant proteolytic e?ects of airborne papain. C
  11. Novey HS, Keenan WJ, Fairshter RD, Wells ID, Wilson AF, Culver BD. Pulmonary disease in workers exposed to papain: clinico-physiological and immunological studies. Clin Allergy 1980;10(6):721-31. PubMed

See these in context on the Papain monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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